Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The argument in the text proceeds by stating a conclusion ('Dwight is the best employee') and then providing supporting evidence ('The top salesman is always the best employee'). This aligns with choice A, where the argument is structured by stating a conclusion first and then offering supporting evidence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the argument in the text does not simply present facts and draw a conclusion, offer a premise and then refute it, or make a comparison between two subjects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage describes the reproductive habits of the sun-fish, focusing on how the mother sun-fish provides and guards her spawn until they are ready to take care of themselves. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not delve into the broader ecosystem of the sun-fish. Choice C is incorrect as there is no persuasive element in the passage about protecting aquatic ecosystems. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the mating habits of sun-fish but rather the care provided by the mother sun-fish.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage extensively details the destructive nature of smoking tobacco products, highlighting the numerous harmful chemicals, addictive properties of nicotine, increased risk of various cancers, serious health conditions, and premature deaths associated with smoking. It also mentions the high costs due to government taxation on tobacco products, alongside the negative social aspects like the smell and staining effects. Choice A is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the severe dangers rather than comparing the healthiness of tobacco to other alternatives. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the financial aspect of tobacco taxation, omitting the broader health and social consequences discussed in the passage. Choice D is partially correct but not as comprehensive as choice B, which encapsulates the deadly, expensive, and socially unappealing nature of tobacco use as portrayed in the passage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The argument in the text proceeds by stating a conclusion ('Dwight is the best employee') and then providing supporting evidence ('The top salesman is always the best employee'). This aligns with choice A, where the argument is structured by stating a conclusion first and then offering supporting evidence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the argument in the text does not simply present facts and draw a conclusion, offer a premise and then refute it, or make a comparison between two subjects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage mentions that the author published a historical fiction novel under a pseudonym, which received critical acclaim but did not sell as well as her children's books. This indicates that the author did not receive adequate publicity for her historical novel, as it did not reach the same level of popularity as her children's books. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the quality of the book produced under the pseudonym or the author's expertise in Antebellum America. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not compare the overall popularity of historical fiction novels to children's series.